eVotion

Focus

Take time to rest in the comfort of the Lord today.

Read

Genesis 14:17-24 (NRSV)

After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). And King Melchizedek of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was priest of God Most High. He blessed him and said,

“Blessed be Abram by God Most High,
maker of heaven and earth;
and blessed be God Most High,
who has delivered your enemies into your hand!”

And Abram gave him one-tenth of everything. Then the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, but take the goods for yourself.” But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have sworn to the LORD, God Most High, maker of heaven and earth, that I would not take a thread or a sandal-thong or anything that is yours, so that you might not say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ I will take nothing but what the young men have eaten, and the share of the men who went with me—Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre. Let them take their share.”

Reflect

This is a profound theological passage with many facets to explore. I encourage you to study this more in-depth, but that’s not our point for a devotion. I am impressed with the faithfulness of Abraham. When given the opportunity to receive goods and possessions, he declined them so that he could stand in the strength of God Almighty, and not in the strength of any human.

But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have sworn to the LORD, God Most High, maker of heaven and earth, that I would not take a thread or a sandal-thong or anything that is yours, so that you might not say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’

Abraham had learned that the blessings and providence of God are greater than any earthly blessings to be found or given by humans.

Pray

Lord, Help me to be like the birds of the air and the lilies of the field that I might rest in your blessings and strength.

Go with God!

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About Chris Fleming

Dr. Fleming is the Adults Ministry Coordinator for the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He lives in Paducah, Kentucky and attends the Grace Covenant Church. He is married to Amy Fleming and has 3 children; Alex, Marcus, and Hannah